FCTA CELEBRATES 100% COVERAGE, SETS NEW 200,000 CHILD IMMUNIZATION GOAL
By: Doris Jonah
Following its impressive 100% vaccination coverage in the first round of the National Immunization Plus Days in May 2025, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has launched the second round of the campaign, now targeting over 200,000 children aged 0–5 years across the territory.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held at the Etsu Kwali’s Palace on Thursday, 26th June, 2025 themed “Integrated Flag-off for the Big Catch (Round 2), June 2025”, the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, announced the successful outcome of the first round and the ambitious new goal for the second phase.
Dr. Fasawe noted that while 100% coverage is commendable, maintaining and expanding that success requires continuous effort.
The second round, running from June 26 to July 3, 2025, aims to reach more children and close gaps identified in the first round. “We’ve learned lessons and identified areas that need more focus to prevent diseases that contribute to child mortality, which the FCTA is committed to addressing,” she said.
She emphasized that immunization remains one of the most effective ways to reduce maternal and child deaths. Vaccinated children are protected from diseases like diphtheria, measles, and polio, and develop stronger immunity overall.
Dr. Fasawe added that the campaign aligns with the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of President Bola Tinubu, led by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, to end preventable deaths of mothers and children.
This second round aims to scale up from 20,000 to 200,000 children, to reach every eligible child in every household across the FCT. Incentives have been introduced to encourage parents to bring their children for vaccination.
She expressed appreciation to development partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), for their continued technical and logistical support. She also thanked traditional rulers for helping to reach underserved communities, which has improved participation.
WHO FCT State Coordinator, Dr. Kumshida Yakubu Balami, said WHO is supporting HSES and the FCT Primary Health Care Board in coordinating the campaign across all six area councils, including the training of healthcare workers to ensure a smooth and effective rollout.
Earlier, the Emir of Jiwa, Dr. Idris Musa, commended the FCTA and urged local leaders in Kwali to educate their communities on the importance of childhood vaccination, noting that diseases like polio can cause permanent disabilities.
The Etsu of Kwali, HRH Ayedoo Luka Nizassan, pledged his full support and encouraged his people to participate. He stressed that an unhealthy child can place emotional and financial burdens on families and even lead to death.
He called on traditional rulers to take full ownership of the campaign in their domains to ensure no child is left behind. In his goodwill message, Dr. Aboyowa Edukugho of the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) congratulated the FCTA on achieving 100% coverage and urged HSES to focus on underserved areas. He praised efforts to involve traditional and religious leaders in addressing misinformation and building community trust in immunization
